Amber's Personal Finance Blog

I finally built up the courage to apply for the $50k grant for first time home owners, well printing out the paper work and filling it out. It is just a matter of turning it in on Tuesday, since I work all day Monday. Even if I do not get the full amount I would be happy with anything.
On a different note I am little annoyed I ordered one of my books on half.com that stated soft cover and it came today but was the international version. When I emailed the seller she said soft cover meant international which is not true, I have ordered and bought soft cover textbooks both on line and at the college bookstore that were not international and now I think she does not want to give me a refund, but I am waiting for her response and if she doesn�t she will definitely get a negative feedback. She should have noted that the book was an international version like every other seller
Furthermore, the swelling from my tooth has not gone down and I have been on antibiotics since Thursday, now I can say I am still experiencing pain but not as much as before. I don't know if this is from the pain meds or not but what I can say is I AM SICK OF THS &*%%& TOOTH ACHE!!!!!!!!!

I still have a tooth ache so I won't be going to the baby shower, nor will I be going to help set up for the Cystic Fibrosis walk. I have been in the bed pretty much all day, but I need to head out to Publix for bread and o.j. I was able to complete my assignments for my marketing class but need to start reading the next two chapters and I just don't feel like it. But I'll see how I am feeling later

OMG, it is never ending with me. If it is not this tooth it is something else. Now we have a rat in our house. My mom says it is because the door was left open which I find hard to believe that if the door was open that no one saw it come in. Any how I think it is because of all the trees she finally cut down in addition we have mango trees. My uncle bought or got a rat trap and I hope like Hell it is caught tomorrow or tonight for that matter

No luck at the dentist the only thing he says he sees now is a little swelling, which I think is from the deep cleaning he did when he was trying to give me some relief. He did change my bite that way when I bite down on the other side I feel no pain. Anyhow he wants me to see the periodontist (cha ching) but I have no choice if I want some relief

I woke up yesterday with the worst tooth ache, I was dying over here. Anyhow I had cancelled my appointment because I was feeling better earlier in the day, luckily I was able to reach the dentist who called me in an antibiotic. When I asked if he would and gave him the number to Walgreens he says to me why don't you go to Publix it's free. Because I did not have the number he looked it up for me and called it in, when I went to pick it up it was free, saving me a $15 co-pay How nice. I woke up this morning and I am a little sore, but I am feeling better. I did not go into work today because if this flares up again I want to be able to go straight to the dentist, it's hard to leave once you are at work. Seems as though the antibiotic is working, wish I had known before I spent $185 the other day
On a different note, today was payday so I checked my balance and found a nice little bonus which I immediately added to my EF
I paid bills today, paid my cc in which I charged my tuition but I still owe about $100 on it. I use it to accumulate points and since I have been under the weather I have not entered all my transactions, must do that today in order to stay cc debt free. I paid the cable and phone bill added $50 to my challenge and paid the extra $50 that I am no longer adding to my IRA but to the auto loan principal in an effort to have that car atleast half way paid off by the end of the year.

Today I spent a ton of money. First I bought breakfast, then I went to the dentist (thank goodness I had an EF). I have had a tooth ache since Friday and the dentist could not see what was going on, I had a small cavity which he filled and some debris from the last dentist that he was supposed to had cleaned out the last time I was there and I guess he didn't but any note it cost me $185 and because I have not eaten a real meal in about 4 days (soup only ) I treated my mom out to dinner again and that was $25. But my tooth is aching me again then we went to Bealls Outlet I I spent $19 on myself $10 for my mom and $5 for my sister. Hit the gas station and $57 later I am annoyed
I can see why people OD on pain meds my tooth is killing me and I have been taking motrin all day, back to the dentist

I was busy with my mom and sister today I forgot to wish my online mommies a very Happy Mother's day (sorry) Hope everyone enjoyed their day today

Well I took my mom out for dinner to her favorite place Golden Coral, now I wanted to go to a really nice restaurant but she wanted Golden Coral, not complaining but I really wanted to go to a classier place but it was her day so she got to choose
Then my sister and I hit the stores, I bought a pair of pants ($10) and a pair of shoes($13) but the good news is I added $35 to my challenge because I id not see the beautician this week
New total $5701.88

I used my $10 JCP coupon to buy a babyshower gift and only spent $5. I am so upset because I forgot to order the gift card from mypoints that way I would not have spent a thing, but I guess $5 is better than $15. Either way I saved money. So the $10 saved went to the challenge. I have not been adding like I use to and want to get back on board with that.
I used the cc today to pay for my tuition and payday is next week so I will pay it in full then. I basically wanted to use it to redeem the points. I also bought my textbook for the second accounting class that is needed (accounting is a lot of work) but any way the book only cost me a total of $8.09. $4.10 for the book and $3.99 for shipping. I am so glad that some one informed me about these different website that sell textbooks I saved about 90% on books each semester using these sites
Seems like it is a good thing I did not get into the summer practicum because I just reviewed the course syllabus for the account class and there is a lot of work, I hope I get my book next week so I can get a jump start on the assignments; classes start the end of June. For the marketing class I will start reading today at work

To the summer practicum that is (intership).So now I will not graduate until the spring of 09 I am so ticked off because I have been working on getting things set up for the summer and started on my intership well before the summer, but since I am not in the program then there is no need for me to work so hard.
I won't stress as much to finish so I will take two classes in the summer, two in the fall and then two in the spring and graduate then. At first I was a little upset (ok a lot) but then I thought about it and said things happen for a reason. The woman who was over seeing my internship really did not know what she wanted me to do and I really did not care for anyway plus after I completed my internship I would not have a job so it's best that I intern at a place in which I could land a job
On a different note I got $3 from pinecone and added that to the challenge.

I received my refund/stimulus package funds today but I paid my mom the $200 I owed her put $300 in th EF and $100 was kept for myself...no more spending for me

Thanks to Koppur I posted a handbag on craiglist, I hope it sells. I was going to use ebay but we know there is a fee. So if I can sell it without a fee I will be doing great

Hope I am making the right decision. I was listening to Dave Ramsey last night when he told a caller it was ok to hold off from contributing to their IRA temporality in order to save for a house. So I decided to hold off until the end of the year and use the $100 that I was contributing to pay down my car. I really want my car balance as low as possible by the end of the year. I figure I am already paying an extra $100 how about making it $200. I just hope I made the right decision

Any how, I received a copy of my cancelled check so I am sending it to Equifax trying to clean up my credit; I am also filling out the loan papers through the credit union to refinance my car at a lower rate

On Monday my boss told me not to work on the bills when I see them because the owner only wanted 1 person (S) to work on them. Before I could ask why she said she did not know. But I had a feeling he noticed that S really does leave them and not work. Now I have spoken to him already about her and she is the laziest thing, at the end of the day she won�t even put away the sign in sheets unless she is told but I noticed the other day she did. I was even shocked that she did it and thought hmmmmmm M (the owner) must have had a little chat with her, but B who is my boss wouldn�t tell me any way because basically she will be admitting that S is lazy and she had to have a little talk with her. Well today I realized he must have because when I came in there was nothing in the bin to do and she always for the last year and a half have had something in that bin and furthermore she was given the bills today and not only did she complete them but she mailed them out as well. And to top things off the boyfriend always calls at 5pm when everyone (the bosses) leave and he didn�t. She has been there a year and a half and he has always called and today was the first day he didn�t. Until I said something to M she would talk to him for 8 hours out of an 10 hour shift ( I am not lying) even the patients were complaining and then it just went from 5-7pm. You live with a person, how much can you talk about? Oh I forgot , usually she calls patients at 6:45pm to remind them of their next appointment and I have told her time and time again not to call so late, well today she called before noon so I am positive she spoken to. It�s too bad that it takes the owner to have to say something for you to do your job, or maybe he realizes that once I graduate I am out of there so he�d better make sure he has a capable staff

Yep I got another A, I am like jumping for joy. I got the A in accounting and mind you this was the third time that I have take this course. Yesterday's final I got an 92. I am soooo happy. Now I am reading for my summer intern and I am a little nervous but hopefully all will be well

I was shocked when I saw my grade for a course I am taking ( Planning and Organization in health care) I got an A- I could not beleive it because I did not do too well on the tests. I am waiting on my final grade from the accounting class, I am positive I will have an A in that class as well, but we'll see

First I called the bank regarding the cancelled check, and thank goodness they allow 1 free copy a month if you request a copy of a check.

Then I called the director of the local chapter of Cystic Fibrosis (twice) and as the day progressed I thought why haven�t he called me back, I thought they wanted volunteers?
Well he finally called back and I will be volunteering Saturday & Sunday in two weeks, and to be honest I am a little excited about it. I was just saying that I want to touch people�s lives and start some volunteer work and then the college sends out this email for volunteers at the walk for Cystic Fibrosis, talk about coincidences


Then there is this hospital that I would like to work at after graduation, the direct of the college in which I attend sent out an email looking for interns. Well since I have already committed to a summer intern I thought maybe I could intern in the fall, closer to graduation. Well after speaking with the supervisor at hospital, he stated that he needed interns for the summer. This was a few months ago. Well I get a call on Friday to call him back and I called today and he was suppose to call me and of course I did not get a response. Hopefully he is calling me for the fall, I would really love to get in for the fall

Today was a no spend day, yippee�. I am very happy about that.

I almost forgot I went to see Mr. H since his wife passed away, and I always travel with my laptop. Well we got to talking about all the people who turned out for his wife�s funeral and all the attorneys from his firm (he has the largest firm in one state located in the west) Well he is 98 and had never seen their website, I felt really good that I could show him the site and place a smile in his face. I love that little guy. It�s so weird because I almost said to him where is D? Thank God I didn�t. I am really going to miss her

Then there is the thing with my job we are working some more Saturdays and I am not offered the opportunity to work because I work two extra Saturday�s. I know why my boss is doing this because no one told her I was and it was ok with the owner, so this is her little way of getting back at me. But that�s ok, something good will come out of this.

Oh something else that happened today, I run a report of all outstanding balances and have been for months well there was a name that was not on my list and when I brought it to my boss�s attention she said she had it in the computer well low and behold when I printed the list today the name was on the list. Hmmmmmmm. I can�t stand when people (well her) act as though I am stupid. What did she think? I would not know that she made a mistake, little miss perfect and added the name today. For months I have ran the same list and this name never showed up, just so happen the patient returned and I needed her chart and then miraculously after she�s informed the name is there and then she pretends it was the computer. For a year? Yeah right

oops I forgot, I have 7 people watching my purse on ebay. Hopefully someone will buy it

I forgot to note that my sister finally paid me back the $100 she owed. She called me out of the blue and aked "don't I owe you money?" my response "yes" and then hers "Oh, I forgot" how do you forget that you owe some one $100? Anyhow, I knew she would pay me but it was a matter of when
On a different note the purse I paid $250 for I posted on ebay with a reserve, if I can sell it at the reserve price I would actually make money, if not it is going back to the store. I have my fingers crossed

I am working hard on trying to get everything situated before I actually apply for a home. Anyhow I was going through all my paper work looking for a possible doctor�s bill that I was going to pay off. As I was going through the paper work I found an explanation of benefits from my health insurance that paid $51.20 leaving me a balance of $12.80. So I thought I did not pay a $13 bill? This is crazy. So I looked back on my money file keyed in the amount to search and guess what? I did pay it. But the problem is I have to call the bank and probably be charged more than what the bill is to get a copy of the check but if I want it removed then I guess I have to pay. But now that I think about it, I think the bank allows you two or maybe one free check a month. There is also another bill from the same agency and now I am thinking I paid this as well, but I will have to all my insurance company for a copy of the explanation of benefits and begin my search from there once I receive it �. So I am happy things are looking up

On a different note I went to Mrs. H memorial service today and the family were so nice to me. I guess the realize that I love their parents just as much as they do and it made me feel really good that they accept me as a friend or even a long lost relative

The city in which I live in is offering grants for first time home buyers, upto $50k which can be used for a down payment or closing cost. It is based on first come first serve, and fire fighters, nurses and teachers gets first dibs. However, I have a few little things that I need to clean up on my credit before applying for a mortgage but I am wondering if I should ago ahead and apply for the grant. I am nit really ready to move until December or next January.
Here is a quick overview:
The XXX Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) teamed up with developer Cornerstone Group to include affordable housing at XXX, a master�planned luxury condominium and townhome community located in XXX.
Here is a quick review:
Through the joint financing effort, income� eligible buyers can qualify for as much as $160,000 in financial assistance on a condo or townhouse. With up to $60,000 developer contributions, up to $50,000 in funds from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (S.H.I.P.), and another potential $50,000 from the CRA�s Homebuyer�s Assistance Program, the price on a $279,990 three�bedroom condo can be reduced to as low as $119,990.


Located at XXX, The XXX offers 180 two and three�story townhouses and condos at market rate prices ranging from $279,000 to $299,000. 50 units as affordable housing for people who meet certain income guidelines are designated Applicants� income cannot exceed 120 percent of Palm Beach County�s median household income relative to family size. For a family of four, that would be $77,280.
So what do you think? Should I apply or wait until I am actually ready to move in Dec/Jan

Well I did some shopping and spent $250 on a handbag that I will be returning tomorrow. I knew then when I was buying the bag I could not afford it but I wanted it and used my cc. What in the world was I thinking? I bought a shirt and a pair of sneaks that I really did not need but wanted. It's tough but I have to hang in there because I want a house and a $250 handbag I can't live in

Today was payday and I paid my cell phone, car note and internet bill; and it seems like I am broke again. Cell phone was extremly high because people keep text messaging and I have asked that they not do that so I am going to have to take action and have them blocked. I paid an extra $100 on the car, I figure if I do that I can get the principal down before I apply for the home mortgage. I am also going to apply for refinancing today to try and get a much better rate. $30 went to EF, $50 to house fund, $50 to IRA and $10 misc. account
This months spending...really bad this month
Expense Categories
Automobile : Car Payment $276.78
Automobile : Gasoline $171.10
Automobile : Maintenance $55.00
Automobile : Supplies $11.90
Bills : Cable/Satellite Television $71.53
Bills : Cellular (May included) $175.53
Bills : Electricity $118.19
Bills : Online/Internet Service (May included) $122.03
Bills : Telephone $41.23
Bills : Water & Sewer $44.84
Charitable Donations $60.00
Clothing $46.48
Dining Out $68.30
Education : Supplies $0.80
Gifts $9.13
Groceries $149.61
Healthcare : Eyecare $106.99
Healthcare : Prescriptions $15.00
Household : Furnishings $4.99
Household : supplies $6.87
Leisure : Books & Magazines $14.00
Leisure : Newspaper $1.25
Miscellaneous $431.27
Personal Care Unassigned $19.28
Personal Care: Dental suplies $8.97
Personal Care: Feminine Products $9.66
Personal Care : Hair $85.00
Sales Tax $10.91
School Supplies $4.08
Taxes : Federal Income Tax $429.67
Taxes : Medicare Tax $62.14
Taxes : Social Security Tax $265.67
Total Expense Categories $2,898.20

Sunday Ms. H passed away. She was the senior that I visted every Saturday. I saw her the week before last and last week Saturdy I went to see her but she was not doing well and was a sleep. But I was able to speak with her husband. Per little thing,I did try to see them today but no one was home. The service was actually today, I will definately miss her

This is exactly why I hate them; first of all I get to the college and of course my team mates aren't there. When J finally shows up she is 20 minutes late. Now S who insisted on meeting of course did not show. His excuse, he did not know we were meeting....EXCUSE ME? Now I am PO'd, he is suppose be our group leader which on the second day of class he said he would now he has no idea what I am talking about and not only did I hear him say this but every one else in the group. I keep telling myself this is my last week

I hate group projects, instructors always says that you need to learn how to work as a team. However, what I have found is that group projects are totally different than work. I am meeting my classmates today because they, well 1 person insist on meeting; now we had enough time after class to meet but he never stayed and on my day off I have to travel 8 miles in addition to wasting gas. Now our professor reviewed our project and his is the only one with comments on them for corrections. But I am going anyway because I told the other girl I would

Today was a day, first I went to the library to get a book and every book that I looked for and was suppose to be available wasn�t; so I simply settled for two others. Then I came home and was told my by my mom that my niece is going to boot camp because she is constantly misbehaving in school. My brother is her step dad but has decided, with the coaxing of my mother to stay out of any decision making that pertains to N who is 15 (I think) I personally think this is a bad idea but then again I have witness step children lying on step parents and creating a whole lot of trouble.
Next I am on my way to my part time job and I get this over whelming feeling to buy flowers for one of the residents who I adore, only to find out that she is dying and hospice was called in. Now this has happened before and she bounce back but I am not sure now. Her husband seems to be ok but I think if something happens to her he will soon go down hill. Both are in their late 90s married for 75 years and he still runs his law firm in South Dakota. I think; but can�t remember, it is the largest in the state. I am so sad about this and am really hoping I can see her next week, she was sleeping when I went to on them.
Use to question what I was suppose to do in life and now I am starting to figure it out, I think I am destine to work with seniors. I enjoy them and love listing to them so when I am finish with school I am definitely looking for a job at a senior living facilty

Well I wasted $20 today, I went and got my hair touched up which normally cost $15 but of course my beautician did not have change. She never has change and I think she does it on purpose, I always let it go but when I go back I am going to remind her after she tells me what I owe and deduct the $5. But since I wasted money and bought breakfast today I am paying $22.40 on my car's principal, plus I got $3 from Pine cone so I am adding that amount as well. The goal is to pay as much down on the principal before I apply for the city�s first time buyer program.This is my new $20 challenge
On a different note I see Uncle Sam will be sending out those stimulus packages early next week, I will be putting mine in my EF, my new goal is to have at least $5000 put aside in the EF by the end of the year which hopefully if I a home owner will at least cover 2-3 month�s worth of expenses. So many things to save for a so little time
Week two and still no funds from my sis, I am keeping track to see how long it takes her before she says one word

I did not expect for M to pay me back (my nephew) he owed me $15 and gave me $5. I thought about it and was not going to take it, but I said what the Hell he owes me and I want it. So since I did not expect it back I went ahead and added it to my challenge. My sister still has not said one word I and do not expect that money back anytime soon and she owes me way more than M. New total $5589.44

In addition, I started filling out the paper work to refinance my car hopefully I will get a much better rate than the 10% that I am paying. My credit is much better since I last applied for the loan and I have made all my payments in addition to extra way before the actual due date and since I have no CC debt things should be looking up
I also decided to pay an extra $100 every month on my car because at the end of the year I plan on applying for a home loan. The city has a program for first time home buyers in which you can get up to $50K and the developer I believe will match the funds, you can either use that money for a down payment and closing cost or for improvements. That will be nice because it will cover my 20% then that way I do not have to purchase PMI plus I will have a nice little saving
And since my computer crashed I have backed up my important files, school projects and my Money software...God if I lost that data, I would be pulling my hair out. thank goodness I did not lose anything

Well I got my computer back today,which cost me $50. But that's ok because my computer is working. The tech said I had a corrupted file, I have a rain check for Best Buy and will go tomorrow and pick up Norton Anti Virus software.
I added $2 to the challenge because I had breakfast and lunch at home
I also have a slight tummy ache today, so I am just taking it easy.

My computer crashed and now I will not be able to surf the net until tomorrow. This will cost me easily $50+ My computer is like my life line I do not know what I am going to do. I am soooo mad. I have a class project that is due and this thing crashes. Well just thought I will post my fustration before I left work

Maybe it's me but I thought this was gross. Today I am having lunch and my co-worker is complainging about her dog getting into things anyhow she is pulling dog hair out of her lunch and she continues to eat. Not one or two but a ton. When I have human hair in my food I think that is gross, maybe it is just me
On a different note I added $2 to my challenge today because I did not spend a thing